Highlights:
- Flower auction Aalsmeer
- Cruquius steam pumping station
- Cities Haarlem & Leiden
- Dune and Bulb Region
- Walk on dryland below sealevel
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1.
We make an early start from the capital of the Netherlands Amsterdam to flower capital of the World, Aalsmeer. You need to get up early, but a visit to the auction makes it more than worthwhile. A flower auction is a fascinating sight. Feel for yourself the tension in the auction rooms. Behold dozens of tractors with flower trolleys swarming around. It will dazzle you.
We continue to fort ‘De Kwakel' which is part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam, which was placed on the World Heritage List in 1996. This 135 km-long line of defense encircling the capital city, constructed between 1883 and 1920, water management and control played an important role in its design: the defense line could be operationalized within 48 hours by flooding the surrounding areas.
At the former steam pumping station "De Cruquius", we experience how the Haarlemmermeerpolder got drained and land was created out of water. The Cruquius is an industrial monument of world proportions.
For lunch we visit Haarlem, which has been the historical center of the tulip bulb-growing district for centuries and bears the nickname 'Bloemenstad' (flower city), for this reason. During a citywalk we discover some of the secrets that Haarlem keeps.
One of the largest dune-areas of the Netherlands is only a short distance away from Haarlem. The dunes are mainly used as a waterwin-area for the region of Amsterdam. This unique dutch landscape has a great variety (from open to dense) of flora and fauna that may be discovered on foot. In the city of Leiden (Leyden), where Rembrandt was born and raised, we spend the night in a monumental hotel. But first we enjoy a meal in a pleasant and friendly restaurant.
Day 2.
The following morning after breakfast we explore Leiden through a canal cruise. Enjoy the old city center from the water, old storehouses, windmills, houseboats and much more. Through the flower fields (in bloom from half march until half may) we go to Lisse to visit Museum de Zwarte Tulp (The Black Tulip museum). For centuries, growers are trying to create a black tulip. So far they haven't succeeded. The museum illustrates the history of the Bulb District as well as the origins and the bulbiculture and its tools.
We need to take the ferry over the Kagerplassen to reach the village of Kaag for lunch. Because of the secluded location (you can only reach Kaag by water) the village has been able to charish its old history and beautifull scenery over the water. After lunch we go for a walk in the polder of the Groene Hart (Green Heart). The Groene Hart is characterized by its rural character which contrasts the urban areas around it. The polder was and is still being drained by a system of windmills. So put on your booths, because we walk through the fields, passing cows, climming fences and get real close to the windmills to see perfectly how a deep polder is being kept dry.
After walking the polder we bring you to the governmental capital of the Netherlands, The Hague. Visit the palaces, museums, governmental buildings and seaside resort Scheveningen with a long sandy beach, an esplanade, a pier, and a lighthouse.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
More participants on a booking - lower price per person!
Price Includes:
All transportation, private tour guide, background information, entrance fees mentioned in the program, meals (lunch 2x, dinner and breakfast), accommodation.
Price Excludes:
Drinks at dinner, extra entrance fees, changes to program, tips and all other (personal) expenses.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Netherlands
Local Culture
Sightseeing
Walking Tours
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